This chapter examines another kind of autograph manuscript, a formulary, in order to show that the book that Thomas makes not only provides an account of the conciliar movement's call for reform in ...
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This chapter examines another kind of autograph manuscript, a formulary, in order to show that the book that Thomas makes not only provides an account of the conciliar movement's call for reform in head and members but also provides the means by which others might achieve this reform. Clerks often made formularies as part of their training; Hoccleve compiled his, London, British Libraray, MS Additional 24062, near the end of his time in the Privy Seal office. While this might be seen as evidence that he actually suffered from some kind of mental affliction at the time, it is more helpful to understand it alongside John Carpenter's Liber Albus, which was made during the same period as a way of informing others, especially succeeding generations, of what decisions they might make based on precedent. This chapter argues that the Series is like a formulary insofar as it enables Thomas to re-form his own character by gathering, preserving and organizing a book that will also shape the character of others who might use it.Less

‘The Substaunce of My Memory’: London, British Library, MS Additional 24062 and The Re-Formation of Character in the Series

David Watt

Published in print: 2013-08-15

This chapter examines another kind of autograph manuscript, a formulary, in order to show that the book that Thomas makes not only provides an account of the conciliar movement's call for reform in head and members but also provides the means by which others might achieve this reform. Clerks often made formularies as part of their training; Hoccleve compiled his, London, British Libraray, MS Additional 24062, near the end of his time in the Privy Seal office. While this might be seen as evidence that he actually suffered from some kind of mental affliction at the time, it is more helpful to understand it alongside John Carpenter's Liber Albus, which was made during the same period as a way of informing others, especially succeeding generations, of what decisions they might make based on precedent. This chapter argues that the Series is like a formulary insofar as it enables Thomas to re-form his own character by gathering, preserving and organizing a book that will also shape the character of others who might use it.